Wage Garnishment

Can creditors garnish wages? 

The answer depends on what state you live in.  In Texas, the answer would be no.  Most wages are protected from garnishment under Texas law.  Your wages are yours, free and clear.  So if you get behind on a credit card, a signature loan, or any other type of private debt in Texas, you’re not going to have your wages garnished. 

This does not hold true for many other states, however.  There are plenty of states that do garnish wages for debt, private or otherwise. 

Government and government-related debts are susceptible to garnishment in Texas and just about anywhere else.  Child Support, IRS debts, overpayment on social security or taxes, and other similar circumstances will also be taken directly out of your paycheck in most states.  State garnishment laws do not protect these types of debts. 

Even if your state does have protection from wage garnishment in cases of private debt that does not mean that all your assets are protected.  Some states allow property seizure and other forms of forced collection. 

If you’re behind on your debt, you may want to look into where your state stands on wage garnishment and property seizure.  Consider hiring an attorney if you’re concerned about your assets.